Selection criteria

Proposal outline

The proposed outline offers a detailed description of the product, Proof of Concept (POC), or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with a clear focus on enhancing governmental operations. The narrative should highlight the following:

• The expected impact and benefits.
• A concise timeline for development and implementation.
• An ‘Overview’ of the budget estimate or resource requirements, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the initiative.

Use the selection criteria below to help you when developing your proposal.

Accelerated project delivery

This guideline emphasizes pursuing initiatives within a 6 to 12 month project delivery timeline and:

• This directive prioritizes projects demonstrating swift feasibility and implementation.
• It emphasizes the need for well-structured proposals that outline clear pathways towards completion.

Small-scale, low-risk projects

This guideline highlights the TMF’s focus on fostering efficiency through:

• Small-scale, low-risk project cost capped at $5M ($1-2M is ideal).
• Emphasizing cost-effectiveness and manageable risk.
• Presenting impactful outcomes without future financial commitments from TMF.

Self-sustainability directive

This guideline emphasizes self-sustainability for:

• Projects seeking TMF funding, ensuring they don’t rely on continuous TMF funding for Maintenance & Operations (M&O).
• Projects meeting this criterion demonstrate a clear plan for self-sufficiency, outlining strategies for post-implementation sustainability without ongoing reliance on TMF funds.

Project leadership

This guideline underscores the necessity for:

• Internal capacity within the department to manage proposed projects effectively.
• Prioritizing proposals backed by a capable team composition (e.g., IT Project Manager, Business Analyst, etc.) emphasizing commitment from both business and IT leadership.

Public-centric innovation

This guideline underscores the necessity for:

• Business problems with a direct impact to benefit Californians.
• Proposals recommending solutions that:
  • Benefit the government stakeholders.
  • Have scalability or leveraged by other departments.

Mission-driven precision

This guideline focuses on the necessity for:

• Proposals that articulates clear, concrete, and mission-driven goals that extend beyond mere modernization.
• An emphasis on projects that modernize systems and contribute to the overarching mission.
• Ensuring a purpose-driven and impactful application for TMF funding.

Begin or continue application

You must create an account with City Innovate to submit an application for TMF funds. Currently we use City Innovate (now Authorium), a third-party vendor, for our application process.

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